Chapter 376

Mila sat on the floor of her room, toys gathered around as if she played. But the toys lay ignored as Mila tilted her head, ear to the door. The murmur of voices wasn't loud enough. Mila closed her eyes and relaxed, imaging she heard them in her head.

The door opened, Mila glanced up to see Nanny smiling at her.

'Well! What are we doing here, lovey? Oh, is it a traveling troupe?'

The firm way Nanny spoke and her brief check down the corridor made Mila even more certain something wasn't right.

'Come now, play along. I'll be Ms Geckna, pulling the giant wagon with all her friends in it. Now, where are we going?'

'Oo-' Mila shook her head, mind clearing. 'The village? A show for the village?'

'Very good idea! They'll love it. Let's set it up.'

Nanny wouldn't stop using the high firm voice, making it difficult for Mila to hear their voices in her mind.

'Not interested? Let's read a story then,' Nanny smiled with a closed mouth, offering her hands to Mila.

They climbed onto Mila'